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Sebastian Vettel says he is as motivated as ever and keen to win again in 2013

Champ "never wasted one single thought" on Brazil controversy

By Mike Wise

Last Updated: 19/12/12 11:45am

The 25-year-old became Formula 1's youngest ever triple title winner last month and also joined Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher in taking the crown three years in a row.

"As a team member I want us to be as successful in 2013 as we have been this year and the two previous years," the Red Bull driver told the official Formula 1 website. "And personally, I never had to simulate motivation - that is part of my nature."

Vettel was made to work to clinch the 2012 title at last month's Brazilian Grand Prix, the German overcoming a spin and collision on the opening lap before eventually finishing sixth.

He beat title rival Fernando Alonso by three points but there was controversy to come in the week following the race when Alonso's team Ferrari asked the FIA to clarify an overtaking manoeuvre Vettel made during his fightback.

The governing body quickly asserted that Vettel - who, it had been suggested, passed Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne illegally under yellow flags - had no case to answer, with the driver himself claiming that he never had any concerns.

"To be honest, I never wasted one single thought that an irregularity was involved from my side. Even if it was an eventful race I definitely saw all the flags - and their colours!" Vettel added.

"I only got information that Ferrari was up to something after (Team Principal) Christian (Horner) called me saying that obviously Ferrari was not too happy with the outcome of the race.

"After the FIA had checked every single inch of the recording of the situation in question - and confirmed that everything was according to the rules - Ferrari renounced any protests.

"But believe it or not I knew since the chequered flag that there was not a single movement wrong from my side."